How to get rid of a blocked nose and watery eyes?

September 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the common cold is the main reason why adults miss work and children miss school. This guide will provide authoritative advice on how to get rid of a blocked nose and watery eyes, offering effective strategies for fast relief.

Quick Summary

Relief for a blocked nose and watery eyes involves addressing the underlying cause, whether it's an allergy, cold, or sinus infection, using a combination of hydration, steam inhalation, and appropriate over-the-counter medications like saline sprays, decongestants, or antihistamines, while avoiding irritants to ease swelling and congestion.

Key Points

Hydrate and Steam: Drinking plenty of fluids and inhaling steam from a hot shower or bowl helps thin mucus and soothe irritated nasal passages, easing congestion.
Identify the Cause: Determine if your symptoms are caused by allergies, a cold, or a sinus infection to choose the most effective treatment, such as antihistamines for allergies or decongestants for colds.
Use Saline Rinses: Nasal irrigation with a saline solution using a Neti pot or squeeze bottle can effectively flush out irritants and excess mucus, reducing blockage.
Consider OTC Meds: Over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines offer targeted relief for both nasal congestion and watery eyes but should be used according to package directions, especially nasal sprays.
Elevate Your Head: When sleeping, use extra pillows to prop your head up. This simple trick uses gravity to prevent mucus from pooling and can improve breathing.
Know When to See a Doctor: If symptoms are severe, last longer than 10 days, or are accompanied by a high fever or pain, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

Understanding the Causes of Your Symptoms

Before treating the symptoms, it's essential to understand the potential causes of your blocked nose and watery eyes. These conditions often occur together due to inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages and tear ducts, which are connected.

Common culprits

Allergies: Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is a frequent cause. When your body encounters an allergen like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, it releases histamines.
- This immune response triggers inflammation in your nasal passages, leading to a blocked nose.
- Histamines also cause the itching and irritation in your eyes, leading to excessive tear production to wash the irritant away.
Common Cold and Flu: Viral infections are another major cause. The body's immune response to the virus can cause inflammation and swelling of the nasal lining, leading to congestion.
- Watery eyes can be a secondary symptom, often triggered by the congestion blocking the nasolacrimal ducts (tear ducts), causing tears to build up and overflow.
Sinus Infections (Sinusitis): Inflammation of the sinuses can cause pressure and a blocked nose.
- If the infection and swelling become severe, it can impact the surrounding areas, including the eyes, leading to a sensation of pressure and watery eyes.

Less common but possible factors

Irritants: Exposure to environmental irritants like smoke, perfumes, or chemicals can trigger a similar reaction.
Nonallergic Rhinitis: This condition presents with congestion and runny nose but is not caused by an allergic reaction. Triggers can include weather changes, certain foods, or stress.

Immediate Relief: At-Home Remedies

Many simple strategies can provide immediate comfort and help clear your symptoms.

Hydration is key

Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water and warm tea, helps to thin mucus. Thin, watery mucus is much easier for your body to drain from your nasal passages, reducing congestion and pressure.

Use steam inhalation

Breathing in warm, moist air can be incredibly soothing for inflamed nasal passages.

Take a hot, steamy shower.
Lean over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head to trap the steam. Inhale deeply for 5-10 minutes, being careful not to get too close to the hot water.

Employ a warm compress

Applying a warm, moist washcloth to your face, specifically over your nose and eyes, can help relieve sinus pressure and reduce swelling. The warmth can increase circulation and help loosen mucus.

Elevate your head

When you sleep, propping your head up with an extra pillow or two can significantly reduce nighttime congestion. This uses gravity to help mucus drain instead of pooling in your sinuses.

Nasal irrigation with a saline rinse

A saline nasal wash, such as with a Neti pot or a pre-filled squeeze bottle, flushes out mucus, allergens, and irritants from your nasal passages. Always use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled tap water to prevent infection. The FDA has guidelines on how to safely use Neti pots and other nasal irrigation devices.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Symptom Relief

If home remedies aren't enough, several over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help. It's crucial to choose the right one for your specific symptoms.

Decongestants

Decongestants help shrink swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages, providing relief from a blocked nose.

Oral decongestants: Come in pill or liquid form (e.g., pseudoephedrine).
Nasal sprays: Provide more targeted relief (e.g., oxymetazoline). However, they should not be used for more than 3 consecutive days to avoid rebound congestion.

Antihistamines

If allergies are the cause, antihistamines are a primary treatment.

First-generation (e.g., diphenhydramine): Often cause drowsiness but can be effective.
Second-generation (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine): Non-drowsy options that provide relief for both nasal and ocular symptoms.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays

These anti-inflammatory sprays are highly effective for managing allergy symptoms, including chronic congestion and watery eyes. They work by reducing swelling in the nasal passages over time. Examples include fluticasone and triamcinolone.

Comparison Table: Remedies vs. Medications


Feature	Home Remedies	Over-the-Counter Medications
Speed of Relief	Often provides immediate, temporary relief.	Depends on the medication; decongestants are fast, antihistamines can take longer.
Primary Function	Soothes, thins mucus, flushes out irritants.	Blocks histamines (allergies), reduces swelling (congestion).
Potential Side Effects	Generally very low risk, mainly from misuse (e.g., hot water burns).	Can cause side effects like drowsiness, increased heart rate, or rebound congestion.
Duration of Use	Can be used as long as needed for comfort.	Long-term use of certain types (decongestant sprays) is discouraged.
Cost	Minimal to no cost, using common household items.	Varies by product; generally affordable.
Best for...	Mild to moderate symptoms, quick comfort.	Moderate to severe symptoms, especially those caused by allergies or lingering infections.

When to See a Doctor

While most cases of blocked nose and watery eyes can be managed at home, it is important to know when to seek professional medical advice. You should consult a doctor if:

Your symptoms persist for more than 10 days without improvement.
You develop a high fever, severe headache, or facial pain.
You notice green or yellow nasal discharge, which could indicate a bacterial infection.
Your vision is affected or your eye is painful.
You experience recurring or chronic symptoms.

Conclusion

Addressing the frustrating combination of a blocked nose and watery eyes requires a multi-pronged approach. Starting with simple, comforting home remedies can provide immediate relief and manage mild symptoms. For more persistent issues, targeted over-the-counter medications like decongestants or antihistamines can be highly effective. By identifying the underlying cause and choosing the right course of action, you can successfully combat these symptoms and breathe easier. If your condition does not improve or worsens, don't hesitate to seek a professional medical opinion.

Frequently Asked Questions

A blocked nose and watery eyes often occur together because the nasal passages and tear ducts are interconnected. When your body reacts to an irritant like an allergen or virus, it causes inflammation. This swelling can lead to a blocked nose, and it can also obstruct the tear ducts, causing tears to build up and make your eyes watery.

Yes, allergies are a very common cause of both symptoms. The immune system's reaction to an allergen releases histamines, which cause inflammation in the nasal passages and irritation in the eyes. This leads to congestion and excessive tear production as the body tries to flush out the irritants.

A humidifier can be very helpful. It adds moisture to the air, which can soothe irritated nasal passages, reduce swelling, and help thin out mucus. This makes it easier to breathe and can alleviate the pressure that contributes to both a blocked nose and watery eyes.

To use a saline rinse, you will need a Neti pot or a nasal rinse bottle. Use distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled tap water mixed with a saline packet. Lean over a sink, tilt your head, and pour the solution into one nostril. It will flow out of the other nostril, flushing out mucus and irritants. Repeat on the other side.

While you can't always prevent the symptoms, you can minimize them by avoiding your known allergens. Stay indoors when pollen counts are high, use an air purifier, and keep windows closed during peak allergy seasons. Regular nasal rinsing can also help flush out allergens.

No, decongestant nasal sprays should not be used for more than three consecutive days. Overuse can cause 'rebound congestion,' where your symptoms return and become worse. If you need longer-term relief, consider a saline spray or a steroid nasal spray under medical guidance.

Colds are viral and usually clear up within a week or so. A sinus infection (sinusitis) can be bacterial and may last longer than 10 days, with more severe symptoms like fever, facial pain, and thick, discolored mucus. If your symptoms linger or worsen, you may have a sinus infection and should see a doctor.